TITLE 4.AGRICULTURE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Chapter 20. COTTON PEST CONTROL

Subchapter C. STALK DESTRUCTION PROGRAM

4 TAC §20.22

The Texas Department of Agriculture (the department) adopts an amendment to §20.22 concerning cotton stalk destruction requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 20, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 2919).

The amendment to §20.22(a) is adopted to change the established stalk destruction deadline for pest management Zone 2 Areas 1 and 2 from September 15 to September 1 and for Zone 2 Area 3 from September 25 to September 1. This deadline change will allow the department and producers to coordinate stalk destruction activities in the zones with boll weevil eradication goals and objectives, and to allow more effective elimination of cotton hosts.

No written or oral comments were received on the proposal.

The amendment is adopted in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code, §74.006, which provides the department with the authority to adopt rules as necessary for the effective enforcement and administration of Chapter 74, Subchapter A; and §74.004 which provides the department with the authority to establish regulated areas, dates and appropriate methods of destruction of stalks, other parts, and products of host plants for cotton pests.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2001.

TRD-200102910

Dolores Alvarado Hibbs

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Agriculture

Effective date: June 13, 2001

Proposal publication date: April 20, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075